[ he unfortunately doesn't know what a recycling bin is!!!! ]
Exactly. [ xie lian seems especially pleased with this answer, nodding. ] It is a skill that has helped me in my own times of need. One man's trash is another man's treasure, as they say!
[ captain planet, here. ] ...In terms of taking things for granted, I suppose memories can fall into that too.
... Yes. Whether it be objects, people, or memories, there are things dear enough to you that you believe they will always be there, until you lose them.
[ a more solemn topic than recycling, but. he feels a small rush of empathy towards it, familiarity in a stirring concept. loss, forgetting... ]
...that does beg the question I thought of the most, when all of this started yesterday. Let's say that perhaps tomorrow, I forget that I gave you that tomato. [ he gestures at it. ] Would you also forget that I gave it to you? Or would you hold that memory despite the fact it vanished from my sight?
I believe I would still remember. [ a pause, before they think. ] ... I suppose there's a possibility I might simply forget regardless, but it wouldn't be related to your loss.
[ a moment, before he bows his head, fist to hand. ]
...Thank you. I don't know if gratitude has been expressed to you properly for such a sacrifice. I hope that we all can do what needs to be done in order to help you all get your memories returned to you safely, too.
I'm not sure about the others, but that is more than enough motivation to participate, for me.
anyway. he had a question. ] Ah, actually, that related to it. I know that we'll be able to get the things we lose back - somehow - and I certainly don't mind waiting. I have enough memories that perhaps it may do me a favor to lose a few.
[ that's a little bit joking, reaching up to knock gently on his own head. sometimes you're really old. ] ...but I was wondering. Is there something that you know now, that you don't want to lose, that perhaps I could help you hold on to? And, perhaps, is there something I can give to you to hold onto in exchange?
It's a bit like the tomato. [ xie lian gestures back at it. ] If tomorrow, I forget this moment that we had, then perhaps you will remember it. And maybe, even if it took a while, you could hold onto that memory for me, until I was able to retrieve it myself.
We don't really know how long the road ahead of us is - we don't even know how to restore this 'nova' yet. I have no doubts that we will be able to, and I certainly will not stop until we're able to do so, or I'm breathing my final breath, but a treacherous and unknown road can be scary for anyone, whether they're used to this situation or not. For you all to have already given up so much must be hard.
[ his smile is sheepish, a little apologetic, but genuine. ] It doesn't have to be anything special. I think if I tell you something in exchange, it may seem silly, or trite, or insignificant, but... those insignificant little memories are quite important to me even now.
So? Is there something I can help you hold on to, Brother Goat?
[ they listen to what xie lian says, before they speak, their voice level. ]
... It isn't silly. Although one's most monumental experiences may form their goals, and those incidents are how others remember them as... perhaps it is the moments in between that define a life as truly a life.
[ though it's not as if they can speak from experience. since, well, you know. no memories!
but they think for a bit, before they hold up the partially eaten tomato. ]
Then, if I am the one who forgets, please remember that you shared a gift with me today.
Very well! I will remember that I brought you a tomato, whether it's a fruit or a vegetable or something else entirely. And if I forget and you don't, you'll remind me of the same, right?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
That is wise. Many people take what they have for granted, but those with less may find value in what others consider unnecessary garbage.
no subject
Exactly. [ xie lian seems especially pleased with this answer, nodding. ] It is a skill that has helped me in my own times of need. One man's trash is another man's treasure, as they say!
[ captain planet, here. ] ...In terms of taking things for granted, I suppose memories can fall into that too.
no subject
no subject
...that does beg the question I thought of the most, when all of this started yesterday. Let's say that perhaps tomorrow, I forget that I gave you that tomato. [ he gestures at it. ] Would you also forget that I gave it to you? Or would you hold that memory despite the fact it vanished from my sight?
no subject
no subject
[ xie lian smiles a little. ] There's no way of knowing what we'll lose, either. Is there? No rhyme or reason?
no subject
[ they shake their head. ]
I know of no pattern.
no subject
Have you all learned how we will gather the nova, yet? I'm sure everyone is quite eager to get started.
no subject
no subject
[ all of this hurry up and waiting. that's fine... xie lian gives them a small, sympathetic smile. ]
It seems you all have been quite busy in preparing for this. Is it true that you all gave up parts of yourselves first, to help us?
no subject
no subject
...Thank you. I don't know if gratitude has been expressed to you properly for such a sacrifice. I hope that we all can do what needs to be done in order to help you all get your memories returned to you safely, too.
I'm not sure about the others, but that is more than enough motivation to participate, for me.
no subject
no subject
[ you picked a good one if you need a world saver. time to help the common people! there's a beat, and it seems like he's done, but. ]
...Can I ask you one more thing?
no subject
[ awkwardness now shifts to surprise. but they nod. ]
Ask as you please.
no subject
- Um, it just seems rude to call you only by your name...
no subject
It's fine. You may call me whatever you like.
no subject
anyway. he had a question. ] Ah, actually, that related to it. I know that we'll be able to get the things we lose back - somehow - and I certainly don't mind waiting. I have enough memories that perhaps it may do me a favor to lose a few.
[ that's a little bit joking, reaching up to knock gently on his own head. sometimes you're really old. ] ...but I was wondering. Is there something that you know now, that you don't want to lose, that perhaps I could help you hold on to? And, perhaps, is there something I can give to you to hold onto in exchange?
It's a bit like the tomato. [ xie lian gestures back at it. ] If tomorrow, I forget this moment that we had, then perhaps you will remember it. And maybe, even if it took a while, you could hold onto that memory for me, until I was able to retrieve it myself.
We don't really know how long the road ahead of us is - we don't even know how to restore this 'nova' yet. I have no doubts that we will be able to, and I certainly will not stop until we're able to do so, or I'm breathing my final breath, but a treacherous and unknown road can be scary for anyone, whether they're used to this situation or not. For you all to have already given up so much must be hard.
[ his smile is sheepish, a little apologetic, but genuine. ] It doesn't have to be anything special. I think if I tell you something in exchange, it may seem silly, or trite, or insignificant, but... those insignificant little memories are quite important to me even now.
So? Is there something I can help you hold on to, Brother Goat?
no subject
... It isn't silly. Although one's most monumental experiences may form their goals, and those incidents are how others remember them as... perhaps it is the moments in between that define a life as truly a life.
[ though it's not as if they can speak from experience. since, well, you know. no memories!
but they think for a bit, before they hold up the partially eaten tomato. ]
Then, if I am the one who forgets, please remember that you shared a gift with me today.
no subject
Very well! I will remember that I brought you a tomato, whether it's a fruit or a vegetable or something else entirely. And if I forget and you don't, you'll remind me of the same, right?
no subject
I can do that...
no subject
[ he's genuinely grateful, and obviously so. ] I will do the best that I can to see all of this through. That, I can promise.
no subject
[ almost idly, they clasp their hands in front of themselves. ]
Yes. I will do all that I can as well.